Following a narrow four-wicket win in the series opener at Vadodara, India will now face New Zealand in Rajkot to try to clinch the series by taking an unbeatable lead in the three-match series. The two sides will lock horns at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a typically batting-friendly surface, where the BlackCaps will aim to level the series while the hosts will aim to grab a 2-0 lead.
India's playing XI for the second ODI will witness at least one change after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remainder of the series following an injury. The all-rounder was replaced by Ayush Badoni in the squad as the 26-year-old received his maiden ODI call-up. Captain Shubman Gill faces a typical ‘selection dilemma' after several fringe players stepped up under pressure.
The first match showed that although veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain crucial, the inclusion of relatively inexperienced players like Harshit Rana is changing the team's tactical approach. As the action shifts to Rajkot, the team management must decide whether to maintain the successful lineup or rotate bowlers to reduce their workload.
